The mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery, is a technology of several decades which has now reached very high levels of efficiency, over 90% and is an ideal addition to any modern, well-insulated and weatherproof building. The multiple benefits for system users, in combination with the active subsidies for their supply and installation of such systems, create an important opportunity for companies in the HVAC industry.
Αrticle by George Char. Andrianos, published in the industry magazine “The plumber and the boiler installer-maintainer” .
What exactly is and how does Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery work?
A Mechanical Ventilation System with Heat Recovery is an innovative & autonomous ventilation system of indoor premises, which filters the incoming air of the room and removes pollutants and moisture, at the same time it recovers the waste heat energy by heating or cooling it, depending on the prevailing thermal conditions within the space.
Ventilation systems with heat recovery, have an exchanger, which is capable of storing the thermal energy of the air passing through it. Recovery mechanical ventilation systems operate in 2 time cycles as follows:
In the first cycle, ventilation unit removes air from the rooms for 70sec, after first absorbing its heat to the ceramic exchanger, which stores the precious heat of the space. In second cycle of 70sec, the fan changes direction by transferring fresh, outside air into the room, which passes through the ceramic exchanger, where it absorbs - recovers the stored heat from the 1st cycle. When after 70 sec the stored heat is exhausted (fully recovered) the fan changes direction again and a new 1st cycle begins, etc.
Indicative Ventilation Mode with recovery during winter. (heating period)
Significant benefits for the end-user
Ventilation Systems with heat recovery ensure and guarantee the purity and the proper quality of the indoor air and achieve a healthy atmosphere by disposing pollutants and microbes from the space. At the same time, the necessary thermal comfort is achieved without losing the Heat (energy) in the environment, which happens when we open the windows for the same reason.
So, with heat recovery ventilation is achieved:
- Healthy Atmosphere and ideal conditions for satisfied residents, customers or staff
- High degree of Heat Recovery [usually> 90%], a significant reduction in heat loss and energy savings since ventilation losses are almost zero.
Application of non- centralized mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery
Central systems are ideal for cases with architectural constraints or when there are specific requirements based on standards. The cost of supply and installation is about 3 times more compared to non-centralized systems while, the necessary maintenance, for the initial and continuing hygiene of the system, become more difficult with the need of a specialized technician and at relatively high costs, resulting to the system depreciation due to accumulation of pollutants and dust in the air ducts or in the heat exchanger or filters.
Indicative application of Central Mechanical Ventilation System with heat recovery
Non-centralized systems, if properly located in all rooms bring and produce air from all areas, while in the central systems air is usually extracted from the kitchen and the bathroom and is brought to the rest of the spaces, as a result, if the interior doors are closed, the air changes are not so fast and efficient.
Multiple opportunities for the HVAC industry
In recent years, the European Union and the Greek Government have recognized the importance of heat recovery ventilation, with the result that interventions for such installations are subsidized by national and Community programs.
The most recent positive development for the industry is the integration of ventilation systems with heat recovery in the new energy upgrade program "Exoikonomo-Autonomo" with subsidies that reach up to 95%. Specifically, in interventions 1.Z Mechanical Ventilation System with heat recovery, of the new program, are included both non-central and central systems. The budget of the systems is highly cost-effective for the installers, since is given a maximum amount of 750 € / piece for the non-central systems, while for the central systems there is a limit of 4000 € and 6000 € for the systems with air supply less and more than 600m3 / h respectively.
In addition, NSRF programs, as well as the development laws for business premises, accept as eligible subsidized intervention the supply of mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery. The time has therefore come for mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery to take place as an important part of the turnover of HVAC installers and the industry in general, with significant benefits, both for professionals and especially for consumers.
* Mr. George Andrianos is a B.Sc. Electrical Engineering APTH, founder and CEO of the company "ANDRIANOS".
Contact ANDRIANOS for more information on Heat Recovery Ventilation
